Is a package worth it?

[BuzzsMom]

We are in the planning stages of our 10th anniversary trip in June. We have decided that we would like to stay at Poly possibly for 4-5 days. As we usually get down only once a year, I can't see how APs would be beneficial to us, unless there were some amazing rates that would help to offset the cost.
The main question I have is that I have heard a lot of people talking about the Dreamaker packages with silver add-ons and others, and I'm wondering if that is worth the cost. We don't have any passes but we will be in Florida for two weeks altogether and only 45 minutes away from WDW. Historically in the past, are there usually good code rates available in mid-June, would we do better with one AP for one of us so we could take advantage of the AP rates, or would it be a better idea to aim for a dreamaker package with a special add-on? This is getting more confusing as I get older!
Susan

[disneylover]

We have found that it is cheeper too do everything yourself.The only good thing I found with the silver is the wishes you can chose 2 a day.If you like too eat at sit down places this would work well say 1 breakfast and 1 dinner a day, but even with this who can eat $68-$70 in 2 meals?Example with us there are 4 eating,2 sit down meals usually run us between %80-$100 each at most $200..using the silver it would have cost us $272. Or you could chose a meal and a boat ride.The downfall on this comes in the hotel rooms.You are paying the package per person meaning the room could end up costing you more in the long run.IMHO I would wait until rates come out see what the deal is,if cheeper then buy 1 AP book a room.Good luck and a early happy anniversery

[DisneyBUff]

I was jus tdoing this debate myself .I kept re figuring andrefiguring and getting momre and more confused. so i put ina quote request in severl different travel places adn we got a great rate on a package. It depends on when u are going and who and how u getthe rate thru.

[BuzzsMom]

Thanks. Disney Lover that is what I have been wondering. Every time we have gone in the past we have done everything ourselves, but I seem to be hearing so many people talking about these packages that I was beginning to think I had missed the boat somewhere.
Buffy, do you mind me asking who you have booked your package through?
Susan

[MissBianca]

Hi, BuzzsMom--

I don't think the DreamMaker packages will help you because they come with a length-of-stay admission and all the Wishes must be used within that time. So you would only have the days you are staying on-property to enjoy the package.

I think its a worthwhile package if you tend towards a high-end experience, but if you don't want to go to the more expensive sit-down places and you don't need that crystal Mickey statue, there are probably cheaper ways!

[BuzzsMom]

Thanks Miss B, that's what I have been wondering. I thought I must have missed something! We had thought that we would probably enjoy the meals we could get, but I think we would be hard pressed to eat that much to make it worthwhile. We would be better off to come over from Cocoa Beach every few days and eat at a different resort. Our main time at WDW is probably going to be busy since this is the first time without kids since our honeymoon!!
Susan

[Joe]

We have used the packages a couple of times, and each time it was for the convenience. (You do pay for them to take care of all the details.) We enjoyed it each time, but not enough to do a package deal every visit. As for the wishes needing to be used during you stay; yes they do. But that kind of forced us to maintain a schedule and routine instead of going completely crazy as we have done on some trips. We typically used the wishes for dining, that ensured we got good meals while we were touring.

JMHO, your mileage may vary.

[BetsyAnn]

We do the packages and while we do not save money on the two wishes packages - we do break even or a little ahead of what we paid for the package. We tend to use the wishes for either breakfast (really hard to get value for that) or an early lunch (easier to get value) and then dinner ( the easiest way to get value or even more) Remember on the wishes 15% tips is included so you are not only getting the meal up the tip. (I do leave more if I believe the service is great)

It is not cheaper to use a package but is more convient and allows us to have the majority of the costs paid ahead of time-- leaves more money for shopping! :wink:

It is just a matter of preference for us - but I am leaning more and more towards an annual pass - since we like long trip!

[SuzyQ]

Isn't that always the big question? I know that it can make my head spin when I am plnning out our trips. The gals at Your Magical Journeys helped me out a lot (esp: Deb K) when I was first looking int o packages and whatnot. They are very good about telling you whether you will save money by buying everything individually or with a package.

~Suzy